See Hear Now Access to health and wellbeing services for people with sensory impairments and learning disabilities

Healthwatch Lewisham undertook a review of access to health and wellbeing services for deaf people, people with visual impairments and people with learning disabilities. Through engagement with 57 residents, the project explored barriers to accessing healthcare and highlighted both positive experiences and examples of inequality. 

Participants reported a range of access difficulties, including problems booking GP appointments, obtaining information in accessible formats and accessing interpretation services. Deaf participants highlighted ongoing issues with arranging British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters, uncertainty about eligibility and long waits for interpreter support. Blind and partially sighted participants described challenges navigating healthcare settings and receiving information in formats they could use. Many felt that small adjustments and improved disability awareness among staff could significantly improve experiences. 

A recurring theme was the need for better recognition of communication needs. Participants wanted systems to flag disabilities and required adjustments, improved use of technology such as text alerts and video interpretation, and more accessible information. Advocacy services were highly valued but were considered insufficient to meet demand. Despite these concerns, many participants shared examples of compassionate staff and good practice within local GP surgeries and hospital departments. 

Overall, Healthwatch concluded that disabled people continue to face avoidable barriers when accessing health services. Recommendations included improving disability awareness training, increasing access to interpreters and advocacy, ensuring communications are provided in accessible formats, implementing systems to recognise patients' additional needs, and involving disabled people in designing and improving services.